The Final Word game review

Zone of the Enders -- Konami

R.I.P.
Ok, so your trying to remember, what the name of this game is and the only reason you finally did is because you were looking to rent the Metal Gear Solid 2 demo... right? Well, when you're done with the MSG2 demo, put in Zone Of The Enders for one of the coolest, and shortest games you'll play this year (thank goodness it leaves itself open for a sequel). I solved this game in one night (actually one night and a speck of time from the next morning), and it left me speechless.

The graphics are a nothing short of a technology demo of just how cool you can make something look on the PS2, without loosing any speed. We're talking huge play areas, lots of enemies, a great weapon selection, and un-friggin-believable play control.

In a nutshell, if you liked Omega Boost, this dusts it for control, style, presentation, and sheer high-speed of battling. The only major problem I had with this game is that it was way to short! In fact, if it wasn't for the tedious forced repetition of some of the levels, this game would have gone even faster. This one problem alone makes this game something I would never purchase unless I found it for like $19 used... and then it would be to put into my collection to gather dust.

As a rental though, this game was perfect... and really opens my mind to the idea of a "rental" only market segment of games that are really short. Specifically, because they are designed to be solved over the course of one or two rentals.

Another thing about the game I appreciated, but wasn't really a selling point for me, was that after you solved the game, you unlocked a two-player "vs" mode. To be honest, the approach was novel and interesting to look at, but impossible for two people to actually try and play. But, since it was a bonus I can't really knock the feature. It's a nice bonus.

As for the MSG2 demo... well that was nothing short of amazing, but that's not what this review is about.

In all seriousness, if you like mech-fighting games like Omega Boost, or Virtual On, you'll love the action in this game, even though it is short. Let's just hope there is a sequel.

(04/2001)